backbone

US /ˈbæk.boʊn/
UK /ˈbæk.boʊn/
"backbone" picture
1.

columna vertebral, espina dorsal

the series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the pelvis, forming the main support of the body

:
The human backbone is made up of 33 vertebrae.
La columna vertebral humana está compuesta por 33 vértebras.
He injured his backbone in the accident.
Se lesionó la columna vertebral en el accidente.
2.

carácter, entereza, firmeza

strength of character; firmness

:
He showed real backbone in standing up to the bullies.
Mostró verdadera entereza al enfrentarse a los matones.
The team needs a leader with more backbone.
El equipo necesita un líder con más carácter.
3.

columna vertebral, pilar, base

the most important part of a system or organization, providing support for the whole

:
Small businesses are the backbone of the economy.
Las pequeñas empresas son la columna vertebral de la economía.
The internet's high-speed fiber optic cables form its main backbone.
Los cables de fibra óptica de alta velocidad de internet forman su principal columna vertebral.